THE PARENT HANDBOOK 2019 2020 - Riverbend Playschool 258 Rhatigan Road East Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2H7 Telephone: Riverbend ...
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THE PARENT HANDBOOK
2019 - 2020
Riverbend Playschool
258 Rhatigan Road East
Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2H7
Telephone: 780.988.0704
www.riverbendplayschool.orgTABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 4
Our Philosophy……………………………………………………………………………………………5
Programs, Eligibility, and Times Offered ..................................................................................... 6
Membership ................................................................................................................................ 7
Member Volunteer Positions ....................................................................................................... 8
Administrative Matters……………………………………………………………………………………8
Admission and registration ...................................................................................................... 9
Wait List Policy ..................................................................................................................... 10
Registration Fee.................................................................................................................... 10
Monthly Fees ........................................................................................................................ 11
Community League Memberships......................................................................................... 12
Sharing Day Parents and Roster........................................................................................... 12
Membership Withdrawal........................................................................................................ 13
Probationary Period .............................................................................................................. 13
Medical Problems ................................................................................................................. 13
Incidents/Accidents Involving Children During Class Time .................................................... 13
Team Teaching ..................................................................................................................... 14
Staggered Entry .................................................................................................................... 14
Arrival and Pick Up ............................................................................................................... 14
Things to Bring to School ...................................................................................................... 16
Parking ................................................................................................................................. 16
Policies ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Illness Policy ......................................................................................................................... 17
Medication policy .................................................................................................................. 17
Child Guidance Policy ........................................................................................................... 18
Cold Weather Policy and Playschool Closure ....................................................................... 19
Late Pick Up Policy ............................................................................................................... 20
Smoking Policy ..................................................................................................................... 20
Medical Emergency policy .................................................................................................... 20
Snack Policy ......................................................................................................................... 21
Supervision Policy and Practises .......................................................................................... 21
Protocol For Handling Issues or Concerns ............................................................................ 22
Privacy Policy ....................................................................................................................... 23
Emergency Procedures ............................................................................................................ 24
Fire Safety ............................................................................................................................ 24
Relocation Procedures.......................................................................................................... 24
Updated: July 2016
2Supporting Your Child's Learning .............................................................................................. 25
A Typical Day........................................................................................................................ 25
Sharing Bears ....................................................................................................................... 26
Show and Share……………………………………………………………………………………...27
Library................................................................................................................................... 27
Scholastic Book Orders......................................................................................................... 27
Field Trips ............................................................................................................................. 27
Cubbies ................................................................................................................................ 28
Clothing ................................................................................................................................ 28
Birthdays............................................................................................................................... 28
Going Outside ....................................................................................................................... 28
Phone Directory: Executive Members and Teachers................................................................ 30
Updated: July 2016
3INTRODUCTION
Riverbend Playschool is a community owned and parent operated co-operative playschool for
children 3 and 4 years of age. We are a non-profit organization funded by tuition and casino
proceeds, and put all of our funds back into the playschool program.
We run four licensed programs. The 3-year old AM program and 3 and 4 year old PM program on
Tuesdays and Thursdays have a maximum of 16 children per class. The 4 year-old AM and 4
year old PM programs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday have a maximum of 19 children per
class.
Children enrolled in the program must be toilet trained at the time playschool commences in
September. The playschool's operating license prohibits the school from accepting children in
diapers. Special circumstances may be considered on an individual basis, such as, a child with
special needs who is not toilet trained. This situation would require approval by the teachers and
executive.
To enroll children in one of the Riverbend Playschool classes they must be the following age for
their respective program:
• Registration for the 3 year old AM class will be open to parents of children who will be 3
years old on or before December 31st of their attending school year.
• Registration in the 3 and 4 year old split PM class will be open to parents of children who
will be 3 years old on or before December 31st of their attending school year.
• Registration in the 4 year old AM and 4 year old PM classes will be open to parents of
children who will be 4 years old on or before December 31st of the attending school year.
The school year runs from September to May, observing all statutory and Public School holidays.
The morning classes run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and the afternoon classes run from 12:45 pm
to 3:15 pm. To help in the child’s initial adjustment, the playschool practices staggered classroom
entry for children at the beginning of the year. During the first two days of attendance, only half
of each class will attend during a shortened class time. We also schedule two sharing day parents
in our 3-year-old classes for the transition period since experience has shown that it often takes
the children and their parents time to adjust to playschool. The extra help will be scheduled until
the teachers feel it is no longer necessary (usually about 3 weeks). Thereafter, one sharing day
parent will be present each day. If needed, we will schedule two sharing day parents in our 4-
year-old classes for the same transition period. However, this is usually unnecessary since most
children are returning. These classes generally manage well with one sharing day parent from
the start.
As your child grows and becomes more aware of the surrounding world, he/she will enjoy the
benefits from socialization with his/her peers. Riverbend Playschool meets the needs of
socializing by allowing children in the community to meet play and learn together.
4
Updated: July 2016Our Philosophy
Riverbend Playschool aims to enhance the overall development of children, contribute to the
development of a positive self-concept, encourage a love of learning, to develop the skills to play,
and interact cooperatively in a group setting. These objectives are fulfilled through a 'learning
through play' environment with an emphasis on the social, emotional, physical, creative, and
intellectual development of each child. Each developmental element is important, and all are
required to build a child's positive self-esteem and his or her unique personal attributes. Within a
'learning through play' environment each child can learn and develop at an individual pace while
still benefiting from being part of a group.
We believe that play is central to a child’s learning and therefore is an essential component of our
program. Through the use of themes, activities, songs, books, crafts and field trips, your child will
learn by active participation, experimentation and experience. A love of learning will be inspired
by presenting information through the children's interests and ideas. We believe that the children
should be free to explore craft materials and to express themselves freely without adult
expectations placed on their work. We focus on the process rather than the final product.
Learning can be fun and we hope to bring about this in the children. This attitude will serve them
well throughout their schooling as well as throughout their lives.
A child's education is the cooperative responsibility of many people in the community. The
interaction between teachers, classmates, parents and the community play an important role in
the development of your child. Each can encourage a child's creativity and learning, as well as
intellectual, emotional and physical development. We believe that cooperation between parents
and teachers in reinforcing common goals is an unbeatable combination in nurturing young
children. Teachers provide educational expertise, objectivity and experience; parents provide
knowledge of the child acquired through their loving and caring relationship. Together, they can
strengthen and enhance the quality of the child’s playschool experience. When parents are
involved in their child's education, the entire family benefits and the specific child’s achievement
levels tend to rise.
As a cooperative, Riverbend Playschool works in partnership with the parents to enhance the
children's growth and development, and provide a safe learning environment. When a child feels
secure, they can learn to take risks and open their minds to the world around them.
5
Updated: July 2016PROGRAMS, ELIGIBILITY, AND TIMES OFFERED
Classes and times for the programs are as follows:
Two day per week programs: (16 children/class)
3 year old AM class Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
3 & 4 year old PM class Tuesday and Thursday 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Three day per week programs: (19 children/class)
4 year old AM class Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4 year old PM class Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
To enroll Children in one of the Riverbend Playschool classes they must be the following age for
their respective program:
• Registration for the 3 year old AM class and the 3 and 4 year old split PM class will be
open to parents of children who will be 3 years old on or before December 31st of their
attending school year. (Please note our licensing agreement states we are limited to
taking a maximum of 6 children who are not three at any point in time. In the event
that during registration we register 6 children under the age of 3, the next child
under three to register will have to wait until one of the other children turns 3 before
they can commence classes. The option to pay to have a spot held in the class will
be available to these families.)
• Registration in the 4 year old AM and 4 year old PM classes will be open to parents of
children who will be 4 years old on or before December 31st of the attending school year.
6
Updated: July 2016MEMBERSHIP
The members of Riverbend Playschool consist of all parents and/or guardians whose children
attend Riverbend Playschool or whose children are registered to attend Riverbend Playschool.
The purpose of the Membership shall be:
1. To cooperate with and support the teachers and the playschool program.
2. To support playschool activities with manpower. (Resources, helpers, etc.)
3. To meet the challenges of playschool education with ideas and meaningful discussion
with the teachers.
4. To volunteer and be responsible for playschool jobs.
5. Uphold the confidentiality of the program, its members and staff.
If you have any concerns or worries regarding your child or the program, please bring them to the
teachers’ attention by special appointment or at a mutually agreed upon time for a phone
discussion. Please refrain from discussing concerns with the teachers while class is in progress
or while children are in the room. The teachers will be better prepared to devote their full attention
to the discussion and a workable solution. If the problem is unable to be solved with the teachers
it should be brought to the attention of the executive. Please remember confidentiality when
dealing with these issues and use the protocol outlined in our policy section.
Members are required to provide one volunteer to work a casino in our casino year and attend all
annual, general and special meetings held during the playschool year. They are entitled to vote
at these meetings. Members will choose or be assigned a mandatory parent job and periodic
classroom roster duties (sharing day parents) to be performed during the playschool year. A duty
bond (refundable deposit) will be collected from all members to ensure mandatory duties are
performed during the year. The bond will be cashed by the playschool in the event that duties
are not performed. If a member continues to fail to carry out his/her responsibilities (i.e. volunteer
job, duty days), the member may be required to withdraw his/her child from the program. We
operate as a parent cooperative and as such it is necessary that we receive everyone’s
assistance.
The success of a cooperative is dependent on its members. The benefits of parental involvement
far outweigh the time commitment required. Many parents have found the cooperative experience
to be very rewarding. Please remember that the time you spend here is an investment in your
child's education.
7
Updated: July 2016MEMBER VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Executive Committee:
• President • Registrar • Website Maintenance
• Vice President • Casino Chair Coordinator
• Secretary • Job Coordinator • Public Relations
• Treasurer • Newsletter
The executive membership is responsible for the affairs of the playschool and will be elected at
the time of the Annual General Meeting. The executive serves in an advisory/consultative
capacity to the teachers. The executive is accountable to the Membership. Changes in these
guidelines, program decisions, and policies may be made by a majority vote of the executive at
an executive meeting. The parent group will be informed of any changes through written notice.
Any proposed bylaw changes will be presented to the members and held for vote at an annual,
general or special meeting.
Classroom Job Assignments:
• Class Representative • Paint Person • Memory Book
• Cleaning Bee • Play Dough • Memory Book
Committee • Sewing/Mending Coordinator
• Cleaning Bee • Supplies/Shopping • Carpet Cleaning
Coordinator • Sharing Day/Roster • Class Photo Coordinator
• Laundry Person Administrator • Craft Preparation
• Librarian • Scholastic Coordinator
A week prior to the fall general meeting, you will receive an email with instructions on how to
choose your playschool job. Job selection is on a first come, first served basis. Any families
that register after the job sign up is sent out, or families who fail to choose a job, will be
assigned one of the remaining jobs by the job coordinator.
Complete job descriptions are available on the website. A confirmation email will be sent out
one week prior to school starting to confirm the job chosen or assigned by the job coordinator.
8
Updated: July 2016ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION
Playschool registration takes place online and in person. The first steps, applying and registering,
take place online. Registration is finalized in person at the Riverbend Playschool Annual General
Meeting in the spring.
Priority will be given to the following groups on a first come first served basis within each group:
1. Current members of Riverbend Playschool.
2. Alumni of Riverbend Playschool.
3. New registrants who are Riverbend Community League Members of Rhatigan Ridge,
Ramsey Heights, Brookside and Brander Gardens with proof of residency. At least 50%
of the available spaces will be offered to Riverbend Community League Members after
the first two priority groups have been registered.
4. New registrants who are members of any community.
Online Registration for the upcoming year will be open to all groups in early February and can be
accessed by clicking the Online Registration link on our website,
www.riverbendplayschool.org. To make the registration process more efficient you may create
an account prior to the registration period.
Families who have applied for playschool will receive an email confirming that the information has
been accepted. This is not confirmation that the registration is complete or that your child
has been accepted into your class of choice. After reviewing the application, the registrar will
notify families by email within 7 - 14 days if the child has been accepted and placed in a class.
Once accepted, to confirm your acceptance, you will need to complete your online registration.
This must be completed within 14 days of receiving the email to confirm your child’s spot in the
playschool. A $50, non-refundable registration payment as well as the first month’s tuition must
be provided at this time via electronic money transfer. This payment is non-refundable.
A Registration Night will be held in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting on APRIL 8,
2019 for those who have received confirmation of their placement in a class. The following items
will be required to finalize registration:
• Post dated cheques for program fees
• A Duty Bond Cheque, which will only be will only be cashed if you fail to perform your
parental duties: sharing days, parent job, and/or casino shift. Please note: if your duty
bond cheque is cashed, you will still be required to fulfill your parental duties for the
9
Updated: July 2016remainder of the school year. Duty bond cheques during casino years are $500; non-
casino years are $250. Please note, the 2019-2020 school year IS a casino year.
• Proof of community league membership and/or address
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
If the registrar does not receive these items from you on or before the Annual General Meeting,
your place in the class will not be held.
Dishonest or fraudulent information provided on member documents will result in dismissal from
the school.
Registrations will continue to be accepted until classes are filled, at which time a wait list will be
started and the Wait List Policy will be in effect.
WAIT LIST POLICY
We maintain and strictly adhere to an ordered waiting list. When the registrar contacts you from
the waiting list either by phone or by email in order to determine your availability to fill a vacancy
in a class, you will be given a 48-hour period to provide a response to the registrar. If the registrar
has not heard a response from you within 48 hours, the registrar will contact the next family on
the waiting list. The waitlist response period will drop to 24 hours effective the date that public and
separate elementary school commences (typically just after the September long weekend). Once
playschool classes begin, internal class moves may be given priority over the waitlist.
Please ensure you give the correct contact information you would like used throughout the
summer and school year. It is your responsibility to check for messages in case a spot becomes
available. The registrar is not responsible for holding a spot if your voicemail is full or
emails bounce back and a message cannot be left.
If you would like to update your contact information on the waitlist or be removed from our waitlist
at any time, please email the registrar at registrar@riverbendplayschool.org.
Please note that once a playschool year has started, no open spaces in a class will be filled after
February of that playschool year.
REGISTRATION FEES
There is a registration fee every year due at the time of registration. The first month tuition will be
due at this time as well. These fees are non-refundable. The registration fees must be paid to
secure your child’s spot in the program.
10
Updated: July 2016MONTHLY FEES
Monthly fees are set in accordance with the needs of the program. Cheques must be made
payable to Riverbend Playschool. All cheques for the school year (October – May) will be
collected at the Annual General Meeting, or at the time of registration if it is after the AGM.
Fees are collected as follows:
Registration Payment: $50 non-refundable fee + September Tuition
- Paid by electronic money transfer at time of registration (receiving a spot
in the school as confirmed by the registrar).
- Note: September tuition is $115 for two day a week classes; $145 for
three day a week classes
Cheque #1 $250/$500 Duty Bond Cheque
- Leave date blank
- This cheque will only be cashed if you fail to perform your parental duties:
sharing days, parent job, and casino shift.
- The 2019 - 2020 school year requires a $500 Duty Bond Cheque as it is a
casino year
Cheque #3 October/November/December Tuition
- Post-dated October 1, 2019
- $345 for two day a week classes; $435 for three day a week classes
Cheque #4 January/February Tuition
- Post-dated January 1, 2020
- $230 for two day a week classes; $290 for three day a week classes
Cheque # 5 March/April/May Tuition
- Post-dated March 1, 2020
- $345 for two day a week classes; $435 for three day a week classes
It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that the fees are paid. A charge of $20.00 will be
levied for any cheques not honored by the bank.
Our program qualifies for subsidy from Alberta Children's Services. If you would like to apply for
the program, additional information is provided at http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/710.cfm.
Certain subsidy limits may apply to the application with respect to amount and/or the eligible
period of time. As the school is not required to know the personal information related to a subsidy
application, it is our policy the parent is obligated to apply for this subsidy and to ensure the school
receives the applicable funds. Member's tuition cheques will be cashed as they come due. The
11
Updated: July 2016school will refund any subsidy funds to the member, upon receipt from the funding program, for
the applicable month(s).
COMMUNITY LEAGUE MEMBERSHIPS
Our playschool requires that every child's family must obtain a valid community league
membership for every playschool year. Families will be asked to provide their membership
information no later than September 15th of each playschool year. If members fail to obtain a
community league membership by this date, they will be asked to withdraw from the program.
Memberships may be available for purchase at the general meeting in the fall and can be
purchased online at Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues website: http://www.efcl.org/.
It is not a requirement that this membership be purchased from the Riverbend Community
League, members are to purchase their memberships from the communities they reside in.
SHARING DAY PARENTS AND ROSTER
Parents are an integral component of the Riverbend Playschool. Their support and interest in the
well being of their child and the school is invaluable. As a cooperative, the parents take an active
role in the classroom by assisting the teachers in carrying out the daily activities. For the first few
weeks (transition period) two helper parents are present each day in the classroom in the 3 year
old classes. Thereafter, one helper parent will be present each day. They are asked to stay
behind an extra 15 minutes to ensure the children are discharged safely and the room is clean for
the next playschool session.
There are many benefits to being a helper in the classroom. First and foremost, your child is
given special recognition. For example, they can bring in a show-and-tell item, they are asked to
be a special helper to the teachers, and they are first in line to go outside. Your child can also
share experiences with you throughout the day. As a parent, you can observe first hand how your
child interacts with their classmates and teachers. As well, you are able to personally share your
enthusiasm, expertise and skills with the class. Moreover, you have an opportunity to meet your
child's classmates and the other parents, and to work with the teachers and build relationships
with them all. It is a partnership that will prove invaluable to you, your child and the community at
large.
Because of the important role helper parents play in the smooth operation of the classroom, a
roster will be posted on an ongoing basis indicating which days you have been assigned to attend
(generally once every four to six weeks). If you cannot make the scheduled day, it is your
responsibility to switch with another helper parent, or send a substitute person (who must be 18
years of age or over) such as the other parent or a grandparent. Please be sure to keep the
teachers and other parents informed of any changes by marking them on the master roster copy
posted in the classroom.
12
Updated: July 2016Emergency parents are available in case a parent is unavailable and a replacement cannot be
found. The emergency parent is to be used in exceptional situations only. If the emergency
parent is utilized you automatically assume that parents’ next scheduled duty day.
Please note: The duty bond collected with registration may be deposited if a member fails to work
his or her sharing day without finding someone to work in his or her place or if other member
duties are not fulfilled. If a second fine is incurred, the member may be asked to withdraw his or
her child from the playschool.
MEMBERSHIP WITHDRAWAL
The teachers, parents of the child and/or the executive may remove a child from the program
upon recommendation. Members wishing to resign must tender their withdrawal in writing to the
Registrar at least one full month prior to their resignation to receive a refund. If received late the
executive reserves the right to keep the fees for that month.
Monthly fees will be refunded accordingly. There will be no refunds after March 31st of the current
school year.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Each student will be subject to a six-week probationary period. This period will begin on the first
day the child attends playschool. A child’s continuation in the program is at the discretion of the
teachers and the executive.
MEDICAL PROBLEMS
If your child has health problems, you as a parent/guardian are responsible to inform the teachers.
In some cases, it may be necessary to provide the playschool with a signed waiver of
responsibility, absolving the playschool, its staff and the parent helpers from legal responsibility.
INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN DURING CLASS TIME
The teachers will utilize the Child Guidance Policy when solving incidents between children. The
teachers will document any incident causing injury or emotional stress. All accidents will be
documented indicating injury and any first aid given.
13
Updated: July 2016The incident report forms are provided with our license to operate. The form allows for accurate
descriptions of an incident or accident that occurred during class time. The form will be given to
the parent(s) to read and both teachers and parent are required to sign it. The original will be
kept with the child’s file and parents can request a copy if they choose. The executive will review
incidents/accidents that occur and make recommendations to ensure the safety of the children, if
warranted. As required by licensing, all incidents will be reported to the Regional Child Care office.
TEAM TEACHING
We are excited to offer a ‘learning through play’ program that is delivered through a team teaching
approach. Essentially two teachers will work together to jointly design and implement a program
for each class. This collaborative effort gives each class the combined expertise of two educators
in and out of the classroom. We believe that learning begins with what the children know, and
grows from there. Having two teachers in the room allows time to encourage child initiated and
directed activities. A team teacher approach provides greater opportunity for observation and
one on one interaction with the children, enabling the teachers to provide a program that meets
the needs of the children as a group and individuals. With two sets of trained eyes working
together, we increase the opportunity for children to be met at their own level and be challenged
accordingly, and risks to be assessed earlier and ultimately all children gaining the most from their
playschool experience.
STAGGERED ENTRY
To familiarize your child with their teachers, classroom setting and help with their transition into
our program the playschool practices staggered entry. During the first two days of attendance
only half of each class will attend during a shortened class time. The smaller child/teacher ratio
for the first class allows the children and teachers to better get acquainted.
This first class is organized to introduce your child to both the classroom and the playschool
routines. You are required to accompany and remain with your child on their staggered entry day.
Please participate with your child in the activities the teachers have planned. Being with your child
will help them feel more comfortable when they attend school without you. It is expected that you
make child care arrangements for any siblings.
ARRIVAL AND PICK UP
Make sure your child gets the most out of the school day by helping him/her to arrive at school on
time, in good health and properly dressed. Arriving five minutes early for class allows your child
time to prepare for the day: hang up their coats and knapsacks, put on their indoor shoes and
nametags, and greet their classmates. Parents should wait to ensure the child is in the classroom
14
Updated: July 2016and greeted by the teachers prior to leaving. A boot rack has been conveniently located in the
front door of the building to place soiled or wet footwear (both yours and your child's).
At the end of the day, your child will be excited to see you and tell you about the events of the
day. Parents are asked to wait patiently until the class is over prior to entering the room. The
teachers will wait with the child until the parent is there before letting the child leave their care.
The parent or caregiver must sign a sign-out sheet. If any person other than the expected
parent/caregiver is to pick up the child, please inform the teachers.
The playgrounds behind Earl Buxton School or between Earl Buxton School and St. Mary's School
are often used. Although the locations are convenient, it places the parking lot between the
playground and the community league building. Teachers ensure that, as a group, the children
walk around the parking lot. In keeping with the school's policy of safety first, parents are asked
to wait at the community league building when the children are at the playground to avoid children
rushing off and crossing the parking lot to greet their parents.
15
Updated: July 2016THINGS TO BRING TO SCHOOL
• Indoor Shoes – your child must wear shoes at all times due to health and safety regulations.
Please check that your child’s shoes still fit on a regular basis.
• Nutritious Snack - Send a healthy snack and drink (no pop/candy bars/cupcakes/etc) with your
child to each class. This snack must include choices from at least two food groups. The
playschool is a nut free zone; check your labels, products that "may contain nuts" or where
"this product was made in a facility that produces other nut products" are not acceptable. Read
all labels to ensure that your child’s snack is completely nut free!
• Backpack - to carry home your child’s school related items. Also include an extra set of
clothing in your child's backpack (i.e. shirt, pants, socks, underwear).
IMPORTANT: Please label all your child's belongings.
PARKING
Parking is available directly outside the front doors of the community league, facing the building,
and in the clearly marked visitor stalls. Two stalls have also been reserved for the teachers. Other
parking stalls are designated for Earl Buxton School Staff. Please DO NOT park in the Earl
Buxton stalls, even if you think it will be for just a minute. The staff of the school may need their
stalls at any time during the day. Please note “no parking’ and ‘school bus’ signs.
16
Updated: July 2016POLICIES
ILLNESS POLICY
If you have a sick child, please keep them home from playschool. If a child becomes sick while
at playschool, the parent will be contacted to pick up their child. The child will be isolated in a
safe and comfortable setting as far away as practicable from the other children, under supervision,
until the parent arrives. If the parent in unable to come and pick up the child in a timely fashion,
the teachers will request that the emergency contact come and pick the child up.
Children are too sick to be at playschool if they have any of the following symptoms:
• fever of 38 degrees C, or higher
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• an undiagnosed rash skin condition
• a communicable disease such as chicken pox
• an obviously infected lesion with a thick or colored discharge (green or reddish brown)
• persistent pain or persistent cough.
The teachers have the right to refuse a child’s admittance to class when in doubt about the child’s
health. They also have the authority to request a written statement from the child’s doctor
indicating a clean bill of health before the child returns to playschool.
If your child contracts a communicable disease such as mumps, chicken pox, lice, whooping
cough, red measles, scarlet fever, etc. your family doctor or public health nurse should be
contacted and their recommendations be followed regarding return to playschool. The incident
must be reported to the playschool teachers and the Department of Health.
All staff of Riverbend Playschool are trained in first aid. Provision of health care to a child will
occur only if a) the written consent of the child’s parent has been obtained, or b) the health care
provided is in the nature of first aid.
MEDICATION POLICY
Only medications deemed for ‘Emergency Use’ (such as an epi-pen or inhaler) will be given while
a child is at playschool. If your child has emergency medication, please record this on the
17
Updated: July 2016registration form. The playschool requires a signed request from the parent and physician
indicating the type of medication to be administered, and required dosage and action to be taken
in the event of possible hazards or side effects. The parent is required to provide this request
before the child starts playschool. The playschool is not responsible for any complications in this
regard. Forms are available from the teachers and must be done each year. Any other medical
conditions need to be dealt with the teachers on a one to one basis.
It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the emergency medication is given to a teacher before
each class. The teachers will ensure it is not accessible to the children, but quickly accessible by
the teachers in an emergency stored out of reach in an upper level cabinet, clearly labeled. The
parent is responsible for picking up the medication at the end of class and will always ensure the
medication has not expired. Under no circumstances will the teachers give out any other
medications while a child is at playschool.
CHILD GUIDANCE POLICY
The Playschool maintains a positive approach in problem solving. Negative forms of discipline
are not permitted.
1. Set Clear Expectations
The teachers will develop and share with the children positive expectations that are age and
developmentally appropriate, ensuring the safety of all children, adults and materials in the
program.
2. Redirection
If the teachers see a potential problem they will try engaging one or more of the children in another
activity.
3. Giving Choices
When difficulties arise children will be given choices for alternative activities.
4. Problem Solving
The teachers will apply problem-solving approaches, which encourage children to resolve
conflicts with others.
5. Time Outs
If the actions of a child put themselves or others at risk of injury the child will leave the play area
with an adult for a short time to calm down. When the child is ready he/she will return to play.
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Updated: July 20166. Teacher/Parent Meetings
When there are continued difficulties within the classroom, the teachers will meet with the child’s
family to develop goals and strategies to deal with the situation. When necessary, with written
(parental/guardian) permission, the teachers may access community resources for consultation
or referral.
7. Executive/Teacher/Parent Meetings
If the teachers feel that a child is disruptive to the point that the safety, learning, and enjoyment
of other children is being affected on a recurring basis, after the actions of clause (g) above, the
teachers will continue as follows:
Arrange a meeting with the parents (without the child present) and three independent executive
members, normally the President, Secretary (takes minutes) and an executive member in the
same class.
A situation may arise where it may become necessary for helper parents to become directly
involved. The children are allowed to work out the problem on their own with assistance, if
necessary, on verbalizing their feelings and with suggestions on non-destructive problem solving
alternatives. It is important to keep in mind that problems within the classroom are to be kept in
confidence. This will ensure the self-esteem of the child or children in question is kept intact.
COLD WEATHER POLICY AND PLAYSCHOOL CLOSURE
Classes will be cancelled if the temperature reading is colder than -40oC, including wind
chill as reported by Environment Canada at 08:10h: 780-468-4940 or on the website:
http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-50_metric_e.html . A message indicating
the school closure will be left on the playschool voicemail as well. Please check one or both of
these numbers to determine if the school is closed. Please note - if the playschool is closed, it
will remain closed for the entire day (both am and pm classes will be cancelled).
Also, as St. Mary's elementary school is our evacuation location, if there is ever a situation
where St. Mary's is closed, the playschool must be closed as well. Again, a message will be left
on the Playschool voicemail.
In addition, should a situation arise where both teachers are ill and unable to come to class, the
playschool will be closed. An email will be sent to the parents, and the executive will arrange for
someone to be present at the start of classes to ensure that everyone is informed. Every effort
will be made to give as much notice as possible.
19
Updated: July 2016LATE PICK UP POLICY
It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to ensure the child is picked up after class. The teachers
are not responsible for the children after class. If 10 minutes after class, no one authorized has
arrived to pick up your child the following actions will be taken:
• The following people will be contacted from the child’s registration form in the following order
until someone is reached to come and pick up the child.
1. Parents
2. Authorized persons to whom the child may be released
3. Emergency contacts
• If no one is reached the teachers are required to call the police to arrange safekeeping of
your child until you do arrive.
• If someone other than the parent is reached to pick up the child, a phone message (if possible)
and a note on the front door of the Community League will be left to advise the parent(s) of
the child’s location.
DO NOT BE LATE. Both the teachers are detained until all children are picked up. There is a
$25.00 fee if you are unreasonably late in picking up your child. This $25 fee is applied by the
executive. For repeat offenders, the executive also reserves the right to withdraw the child from
the program.
In the case of an emergency, you may be late picking up your child. Please call the teachers
(PH: 780-988-0704) to inform them why you will not be there and your expected arrival or what
other arrangements you have made for your child’s pick up.
SMOKING POLICY
No person is permitted to smoke on the program premises. No staff member or helping parents
will smoke anywhere near the program premises.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY POLICY
Please ensure that the child’s registration form is properly filled out indicating the doctor's name,
health care number, emergency contact, and allergies for the use in the event of an emergency.
If an accident or medical emergency occurs at school that requires the child to be rushed to the
hospital, an ambulance will be called. It would be the responsibility of one teacher to accompany
the child while the other teacher and sharing day parent will remain with the other children.
20
Updated: July 2016The parents, and family doctor if necessary, will be contacted immediately. If parents cannot be
reached, a message (if possible) will be left and the emergency contacts will be called. The
teachers, duty parent or emergency contact will continue to try to contact the parent(s). The cost
of an ambulance will be the responsibility of the parents.
SNACK POLICY
WE ARE A NUT FREE SCHOOL. In compliance with Public Health and Licensing Regulations,
each parent will be responsible for preparing a nutritious snack for their child including a drink to
be consumed during class time. This snack must include choices from at least two food groups.
(As per the Canada Food Guide) The playschool is a nut free zone; check your labels, products
that "may contain nuts" or where "this product was made in a facility that produces other nut
products" are not acceptable. Read all labels to ensure your child’s snack is completely nut free!
The teachers will provide suggestions on desirable snacks and prohibited foods. During special
celebrations when snack may be shared, all snacks must be store bought. Due to Health
Regulations foods cannot be prepared at members homes.
SUPERVISION POLICY AND PRACTISES
Riverbend Playschool ensures that the primary staff observes children’s play and behaviour both
indoors and outdoors by implementing the following:
- Sign in/sign out sheet used for every child at every class.
- teacher led activities with constant interaction and supervision of all activities
- implementation of head counts before, during and after all on and off site activities
including park visits, walks and field trips
- children are required to wear florescent green vests over their jackets so as to be readily
visible by both teachers and the helper parent.
- children are paired up with a helper parent on field trips and helped off the bus at
destination
- first aid bag and portable attendance records accompany children when leaving the
classroom
- teachers sit with children during snack time
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Updated: July 2016Staff is kept aware of the program’s indoor and outdoor physical environments by frequent safety
checks of the intended place of play. The children are constantly supervised to ensure that their
social, physical, emotional, creative and intellectual minds are developing in a safe and positive
atmosphere amongst their peers.
PROTOCOL FOR HANDLING ISSUES OR CONCERNS
We want your playschool experience to be a happy one for both your child and your family. If you
have concerns or issues regarding your child, the teachers, or the program, please bring them up
for discussion by following the outlined protocol.
1. Make an appointment to meet with the teachers when children are not going to be around.
This way the teachers can devote all their attention to the discussion of the problem or
concern. Work together with the teachers to develop goals, strategies and possible solutions.
- Express issues or concerns respectfully while keeping confidentiality in mind.
- The teachers may be able to provide another view to a situation. Remember, they are the
‘expert’ in child development and the playschool environment.
- Remember to look towards the policies and guidelines of the program. Perhaps they can
be of assistance.
2. If things are unable to be resolved between parent and teachers, please contact the President
for assistance. Again, a meeting may be necessary to help generate strategies and solutions.
- Inform the other party before involving the President.
- The president will look to both parties involved for information and act to help mediate the
problem solving process.
3. If the problem is still unable to be solved, the President will need to take the situation to an
executive meeting for resolution.
- Both parent and teachers will be informed before this action is taken.
This protocol is in place to help maintain a positive and respectful environment in our program
even during times of conflict. We also want to ensure the confidentiality of the children and their
families is maintained at all times.
22
Updated: July 2016PRIVACY POLICY
Riverbend Playschool considers issues relating to your and your child's privacy to be a serious
matter. At the same time, Riverbend Playschool needs to collect, store, use, and disclose
personal information to enable it to operate the playschool.
Riverbend Playschool has created and implemented a privacy policy so that you understand what
Riverbend Playschool may and may not do with your and your child's personal information.
Riverbend Playschool encourages you to review the Privacy Policy located on the website.
23
Updated: July 2016EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire drills will be held once a month, although the children may not actually go outside during the
cold weather.
FIRE SAFETY
In the event of a fire in the Playschool or Community Hall facility, the following procedure is to be
followed:
1. Alert everyone by pulling the fire alarm.
2. When the fire bell rings, children are lined up quickly and quietly in front of a teacher.
3. One teacher leads the children out of the room, choosing the door, which she/he feels
provides the safest exit. The Sharing Day Parent will follow the group.
4. The other teacher checks the washrooms and closes doors taking the daily attendance sheets
and emergency records with him/her.
5. Everyone meets to the south of the community hall.
6. Teachers take attendance.
7. The Sharing Day Parent Calls the Fire Department. (911)
8. Proceed with relocation procedures.
RELOCATION PROCEDURES
1. Teachers and Sharing Day Parent escort the children to St. Mary's School.
2. Parents will be phoned to pick up children. If they cannot be reached the Emergency Contacts
will be phoned to pick up children.
3. When possible an Evacuation Notice will be posted on the outside door to notify parents if the
teachers are unable to reach them.
4. The Teachers and Sharing Day Parent will remain with the children until all children have been
picked up.
24
Updated: July 2016SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING
A TYPICAL DAY
A typical playschool day includes the following activities, not necessarily in this order. Activities
are planned around themes. A monthly calendar is prepared by the teachers to keep you
informed of the day's events and to request any special items the children may need to bring
which will be emailed out with the monthly newsletter.
Circle Time:
- greet the children as they arrive and check attendance
- show and tell
- variety of songs or rhymes
- talk about the day - themes, special events - combined with a short lesson
Free Play Time:
- free to play at any of the various centers around the room
- craft table - crafts related to the day's theme
- rotating activity table – featuring math, science, writing or listening activities
- water table and sand table - activities may be planned to coincide with theme
- paint center, play dough table
- games, books and puzzles
- playhouse, doll house, blocks, building toys, vehicles and animal toys etc.
Clean-Up Time:
- children are encouraged to help put toys and the day's activities away
25
Updated: July 2016Story Time:
- story book is read
- music or quiet group game may be played
Snack Time:
- say "thank you" before eating
- talk about food groups and table manners
Movement Activities:
- indoor activities to include games, music and movement, parachute games
- outdoor activities include playground or tobogganing
Transition Time:
- to ease flow between activities, teachers often sing songs, play group games or do finger
plays. This tends to help children move from one activity into the next.
NOTE: Most of the Arts and Crafts the children do will be described as “open ended” because the
result is a creative expression of the individual child. The artwork or craft may not look like
anything to you but what is important is the process and act of doing. The finished product must
only meet the approval and satisfaction of the child, done at their own level of interest and ability.
Please allow them this freedom; avoid insisting that a project look a certain way. This is tempting
for us to do especially with your own child. If you do the work for them, then it will be your picture
not theirs.
SHARING BEARS
The sharing day roster indicates the ‘Sharing bear’ children for each class day. One of the sharing
bears is the child whose parent is helping that day (as indicated on the duty day roster). The
sharing bears are the primary helpers in the class for the day - they bring a show and share item,
ring the bell for clean up, are first in line for washing hands, etc. This gives the children in each
class more opportunity to come to class and talk about a favorite item.
26
Updated: July 2016SHOW AND SHARE
The sharing day roster indicates the ‘Sharing bear’ children for each class day. There are two
sharing bears at each class. Each sharing bear brings in an item from home to share with the
class. One of the sharing bears is the child whose parent is helping that day (as indicated on the
duty day roster). The second sharing bear is a child randomly chosen to be an extra bear on that
day. This gives the children more of an opportunity to be the “special helper” for the day. The
sharing bears are the special helpers in the class for the day - they bring a show and share item,
ring the bell for clean up, are first in line for washing hands, etc.
LIBRARY
A love of books is an important element in lifelong learning. In addition to the variety of books,
stories and poems shared with the class on a daily basis, the children can access the playschool's
library at any time during their session. In fostering this love of books, and in preparing them for
a school setting, each child may take home a book to be returned within one week. Look for the
library borrowing system inside the classroom.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS
The playschool will be providing you the opportunity to order from different catalogues throughout
the school year. This is not a fundraiser, however, the playschool is rewarded for the orders we
place. The playschool can earn several free books as well as several dollars in coupons the
teachers can use to order items for the classroom. Your child and playschool can both benefit
from this opportunity. Please note that this is an option to you. You do not have to place an order.
FIELD TRIPS
In keeping with the themes that are run throughout the year, a variety of field trips may be taken
in and around Edmonton. Parents must provide written approval and releases for both regularly
scheduled activities that occur off the playschool premises, such as walks and going to the
playground, and for specific activities such as field trips. The permission slip will indicate the
purpose and requirements for the field trip. Only those children with permission slips will be
permitted to go.
Extra help is needed on field trips, so please let the teachers know if you are available. A ratio of
one adult for every two or three children is required, depending on the age group.
27
Updated: July 2016Children are either bused or dropped off and collected from the venue by their parents or
caregiver. If transported by bus, children will leave from the playschool and return to the
playschool. Please take note of altered class times for some of these field trips.
CUBBIES
Your child has been assigned a “cubby box” to store his or her crafts and artwork. Newsletters
from the teachers and information from the executive may be found in this box. Be sure to empty
your cubby box at the end of each day, as children’s cubby boxes are shared with other children
in other classes.
CLOTHING
A clothes hook has been assigned to your child, for their coats & knapsacks. It is located outside
the classroom. Please clearly mark all removable clothing with your child's name.
Backpacks are handy to store extra clothes, weather specific items (i.e. hats, mittens & scarves),
indoor shoes that are taken home daily, and to take home crafts, books, etc. at the end of the
day. IMPORTANT: Outdoor shoes are to be removed and placed on the boot rack, upon entering
the building.
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays will be acknowledged as close to the child’s actual birthday as possible. You will be
placed on the Sharing day roster as close to your child’s birthday as possible. On that day, you
may bring a special snack (rice crispy squares, cupcakes, etc) for your child to share with the rest
of the class. During special celebrations when snack may be shared, all snacks must be store
bought. Due to Health Regulations foods cannot be prepared at members homes. Please keep
in mind that we are a nut free school. We will have a birthday party near the end of the school
year when we will celebrate all of the summer birthdays.
GOING OUTSIDE
When the weather permits, the class will go outside for the physical activity portion of their class
(approximately the last 30 minutes of class). Please ensure that your child has the appropriate
clothing and footwear for the current weather and that all items are LABELED (i.e. ski pants,
parka, hat, mittens, boots, etc.). The children will engage in staff led activities with ongoing
28
Updated: July 2016You can also read
